2025

Jagdeep Singh Bains is one of those names in Indian basketball that deserves way more recognition than it gets. He wasn’t just a player; he was a fighter, a leader, and a true inspiration. Born in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, his journey into basketball wasn’t planned. His father was an athletics coach, so naturally, his early years were filled with running tracks and fitness drills rather than dribbling a basketball. But fate had its own way of steering him in the right direction. His height stood out, and in 2002, a local coach spotted his potential, leading him to play for Rajasthan in the school nationals the following year. That was just the beginning of what would become an incredible career. Jagdeep’s real breakthrough came when he joined the Ludhiana Basketball Academy under coach Sankaran Subramanian. This was where he transformed from a raw talent into a polished player. The Ludhiana Academy has produced some of India’s best basketball players, and Jagdeep quickly became one of them. His dominance on the court, strong defensive skills, and ability to finish at the rim made him a standout player. By 2008, he was playing professionally for Punjab Police Jalandhar, where he continued to make waves in the Indian basketball scene. His impact wasn’t just limited to domestic basketball. He earned a spot on the Indian national team and represented the country at the FIBA Asia Championships in 2007 and 2009. He wasn’t just playing; he was making an impact. In 2007, he averaged 11.4 points per game, and in 2009, he led the team in rebounds, proving his versatility. He also played a crucial role in India’s victory in the 3x3 basketball event at the 1st South Asian Beach Games, securing a gold medal. His performances on the international stage made him one of the most reliable players for India during that time. However, his journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. In 2012, during a 3-on-3 tournament in China, he suffered a severe back injury that turned his world upside down. The injury was so bad that he was bedridden for three years. Imagine going from playing for your country to not even being able to move properly. It was a dark time for him, and he even considered quitting the sport. But with the support of his wife and his relentless willpower, he refused to give up. After years of rehabilitation and training, he made a dramatic comeback in 2016, joining the Mumbai Challengers in the UBA Pro Basketball League. His return wasn’t just symbolic—he helped the team win the championship in Season 4, proving that he still had a lot left in him.

Poonam Chaturvedi is one of the most remarkable figures in Indian women’s basketball. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches, she’s not just the tallest female player in the country but also an inspiring athlete who has battled through challenges to make a name for herself in the sport. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and passion for the game. Born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Poonam’s height was always an advantage, but she wasn’t initially into basketball. It was only when coaches noticed her potential that she started training seriously. She was encouraged to develop her skills, and once she stepped onto the court, there was no looking back. Her dedication soon paid off, and she found herself playing at the national level, representing the Chhattisgarh women’s basketball team. Chhattisgarh is well known for producing some of the best basketball players in the country, and Poonam quickly became one of its brightest stars. Her height gave her an edge in securing rebounds and blocking shots, making her a dominant force under the basket. As she continued to rise in the ranks, she got the opportunity to represent India in international tournaments. Competing on such a big stage is never easy, but Poonam proved that she belonged there. Her ability to defend, score, and control the paint made her a crucial player in India’s squad. But just as things were looking bright, she was hit with a major setback. Poonam was diagnosed with a brain tumor, something that could have ended her career. It was a tough time, not just for her but for everyone who had been following her journey. However, she refused to let the diagnosis define her. With immense courage and determination, she underwent treatment and fought her way back to the court. Her return to basketball after such a difficult battle is nothing short of inspirational. Even after overcoming such a life-threatening challenge, she didn’t slow down. She continued playing, showing the same dominance that made her a star in the first place. Her comeback proved that she wasn’t just a talented athlete but also someone with unshakable mental strength. Young players look up to her not just for her skills but also for her resilience. She has become a symbol of hope, proving that with hard work and the right mindset, anything is possible. Today, Poonam Chaturvedi remains a vital part of Indian basketball. She continues to work on her game, pushing herself to improve and contribute to the sport’s growth in India. With the country steadily making progress in international basketball, her presence is invaluable. She hopes to see India compete at the highest level, and her journey is a reminder that obstacles can be overcome with perseverance. Her story isn’t just about basketball, it's about fighting against the odds and emerging victorious. From a young girl in Kanpur to one of India’s most celebrated basketball players, Poonam has shown that greatness is achieved through dedication and belief in oneself. Whether she’s blocking shots on the court or inspiring young athletes off it, her impact on the game is undeniable. As she continues her journey, one thing is clear Poonam Chaturvedi’s legacy in Indian basketball is far from over.

There’s an Indian basketball player making quiet but powerful strides in the world of hoops Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon. Born on September 1, 2001, he plays as a point guard, and honestly, he’s someone who truly stands out. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, he brings both height and hustle to the court. But what really sets him apart is his game sense, his confidence under pressure, and his ability to make things happen when it matters most. Sekhon didn’t always have basketball in his sights. Like many kids growing up in India, he started with cricket and soccer. His switch to basketball happened thanks to coach Rakesh Kumar, who spotted his potential early on and encouraged him to pursue the sport seriously. At Vivek High School in Chandigarh, he started making waves, playing for the U-19 team in 2017. Later, when he transferred to SD School, a growth spurt combined with hard work really took his game to the next level. Since then, his journey has been nothing short of inspiring. He’s represented India on the international stage, including the FIBA Asia Cup in 2022. Even though he was relatively new to that level of play, he still averaged 6.5 points per game, which is a solid performance for someone just stepping onto the big stage. But he didn’t stop there. In the 2023 Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Syria, he came back even stronger, averaging 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. That kind of progress in just one year says a lot about his work ethic and growth. His momentum has continued into the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, where he remains a core player for the Indian team. He’s matured into a playmaker, someone who not only scores but also creates opportunities for teammates and plays tough defense. In a team that’s still finding its identity on the global stage, Sekhon has started to emerge as a leader. Domestically, he represents Chandigarh and continues to leave his mark in tournaments across the country. But beyond the court, what’s really commendable is his dedication to giving back. He’s been actively organizing basketball clinics to help younger players develop their skills and gain exposure to the game. At just 23, he’s already thinking about how to uplift the sport in India, which shows a lot of character. Watching him play, you get the sense that he’s not just playing for the present he’s building something for the future. Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon is more than just a name on a jersey. He represents belief, grit, and the hope that Indian basketball can rise higher. If he keeps pushing forward the way he has, there's no doubt he’ll be remembered as one of the key players who helped take Indian hoops to the next level.